On International Overdose Awareness Day, families and loved ones
remember lives lost to opioid epidemic
ERIE COUNTY, NY— International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 signals a painful reminder of thousands of lives lost due to an opioid overdose in Erie County. Out of the grief shared by family members and loved ones comes a day of healing and advocacy. The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) and Opiate Epidemic Task Force will coordinate a display on the front lawn of Old County Hall starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. This display will show pictures and names of local residents who died of an opioid overdose; these community members are not forgotten.
Family members and friends are invited to share a picture and name with the Opiate Epidemic Task Force to be included in this presentation; send to opiatetaskforce@erie.gov. Other information, such as date of birth, date of passing, and brief special memories, are welcome.
ECDOH has scheduled classes for Opioid Overdose Recognition and Narcan Use for Overdose Reversal through the end of 2022. Visit www.erie.gov/opioidtrainings to register for these free classes – online or in-person.
EVENT NOTICE
ECDOH and Opiate Epidemic Task Force Members will place memorial signs on the front lawn of Old County Hall on Wednesday, August 31. This coincides with other global events that acknowledge the pervasive and deadly impact of substance use disorder. This event is part of outreach by the Family & Consumer, Support & Advocacy Section of the Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force.
WHAT: International Overdose Awareness Day
WHEN: Wednesday, August 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; closing prayer at 6 p.m.
WHERE: 92 Franklin Street, front law of Old County Hall at Franklin & Church, Downtown Buffalo
MEDIA: Email Kara Kane at kara.kane@erie.gov with questions or to coordinate interviews.
